Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum celebrates its first anniversary

Today, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum celebrates its first anniversary. Established by Archivist of the United States Allen Weinstein last year, the nonpartisan Nixon Presidential Library is dedicated to preserving the record of the Nixon administration and of Richard Nixon’s life and career, to making that record available and to promoting historical debate and discovery.

July 11, Yorba Linda, CA—The Nixon Presidential Library is the newest of the twelve presidential libraries operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which bear the names of the presidents from Herbert Hoover through William J. Clinton. On July 11, 2007, the National Archives was given permanent control of the museum and archives of the private Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace, which had operated the facility in Yorba Linda from its construction in 1990.

Since then, the Nixon Library has opened previously closed records, including conversations that President Nixon secretly recorded; begun the process of remaking the museum in Yorba Linda to reflect the building’s new status as a public institution dedicated to an impartial view of history; conducted a wide-ranging oral history program with former Nixon administration officials and others who were important in the era; and launched an energetic and provocative public programming series that has brought historical thinkers, journalists, and cutting-edge figures to Yorba Linda.

In the months to come, many of the projects begun during the Library’s first year will bear fruit. The new Watergate gallery will open this winter, along with a Presidential Classroom and stunning temporary exhibits. Major releases of oral histories, documents, and tapes are slated for early winter. And the Library will soon announce its public programming schedule for the fall season.

About the Nixon Library: The Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, a nonpartisan federal institution, is a part of the National Archives and Records Administration. For more information, contact (714) 983-9120 or visit http://www.nixonlibrary.gov.

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